JP2003274082A - Image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve a job load imposed on an operator as much as possible in the case of preparing a reprint after a print is once made. <P>SOLUTION: In the image printer wherein a first display mode for displaying a simulated image with a plurality of frames on a monitor or a second display mode for displaying the simulated image with a plurality of frames fewer than the frames in the first display mode with a display size greater than that of the first display mode is selected and the number of correction items for image correction instruction information instructed and entered in the second display mode is more than the correction items of the image correction instruction information instructed and received in the first display mode, a monitor 6a displays correction instruction existing display capable of identifying the presence of the image correction instruction information used for producing a preceding print in the first display mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input device for inputting image data of an image for producing a print,
A simulation calculation unit that generates image data of a simulated image that predicts a print image when produced based on the image data input from the image input device, and causes the monitor to display the simulated image and to the monitor. An image correction management unit that accepts manual input of image correction instruction information for the displayed simulated image, and image data for print production is generated based on preset calculation conditions and the image correction instruction information. And a print data calculation unit for displaying the simulated images of a plurality of frames on the monitor and a first display of a smaller number of images than the first display mode. It is possible to switch to the second display mode in which the simulated image is displayed with a display size larger than the display size in the mode. In addition, the correction items of the image correction instruction information that can be input in the second display mode are set to be larger than the correction items of the image correction instruction information that can be input in the first display mode. Image printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In such an image printing apparatus, an image input apparatus takes in image data to be printed from a photographic film or various image recording media, and prints the image data inputted from the image input apparatus. Image data is generated, and a print is produced by the image data. In this print production work, it is often practiced to simulate a print image produced based on input image data, that is, an image of a finished print and display it on a monitor. More specifically, it has a first display mode for displaying a relatively small number of small simulated images and a second display mode for displaying a relatively large simulated image with a smaller number of frames. In the display mode, it is possible to simply input the image correction instruction in more detail in the second display mode. The operator of the image printing apparatus observes the simulated image displayed on the monitor while switching the display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode, and appropriately corrects the color of the image and trims the image. You can manually input image correction instruction information for various items of, and in the generation of image data for print production,
The input image correction instruction information is reflected. The image correction instruction information input by the operator has conventionally been recorded and stored in some recording medium, but when the same image is reprinted with the original image data, the previous condition is set. It was only used for reproduction, and it was not necessary to display the image correction instruction information.

[0003]

In recent years, when a print is made once and then a reprint is made at the request of a customer, the image set at the time of the first print is not simply reproduced. There has been an increasing demand from customers for making print requests for making the above-mentioned reprint with a setting different from the correction instruction information, but the above-described conventional configuration cannot sufficiently meet the request. In order to meet such requests,
Even when the reprint is produced, it is conceivable that the image correction instruction information can be input on the display screen of the simulated image, but in this case, it is simply the first display mode and the second display mode. In each of the above, only by displaying the image correction instruction information input at the time of previous print production, the operator can perform the image correction in both the first display mode and the second display mode in each simulated image. It is necessary to confirm the instruction information, which increases the work load on the operator. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce the work load of an operator as much as possible when a print is made once and then a reprint is made. .

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image input device for inputting image data of an image for producing a print and an image data input from the image input device are provided. A simulation calculation unit that generates image data of a simulated image that predicts a print image when produced based on the image, and displays the simulated image on a monitor and an image for the simulated image displayed on the monitor. An image correction management unit that receives an input of correction instruction information and a print data calculation unit that generates image data for print production based on preset calculation conditions and the image correction instruction information are provided. The correction management unit includes a first display mode in which the simulated images of a plurality of frames are displayed on the monitor, and the first display mode.
An image having a smaller number of frames than the display mode can be switched to a second display mode in which the simulated image is displayed with a display size larger than the display size in the first display mode, and an instruction input is made in the second display mode. In the image printing apparatus in which the possible correction items of the image correction instruction information are set to be larger than the correction items of the image correction instruction information that can be instructed and input in the first display mode, the image correction management unit includes: The image correction instruction information for the image data for which the print production is confirmed and the identification information for identifying the image data are stored in association with each other, and the image input is performed in the first display mode. When displaying the plurality of simulated images on the monitor based on the image data input from the device, When it is determined that the image correction instruction information corresponding to the image data that has generated the simulated image is stored based on the identification information, the image is used in print production in association with the simulated image. A correction instruction presence display capable of identifying the presence of the image correction instruction information is displayed on the monitor.

That is, there are provided a first display mode for displaying a relatively small number of simulated images and a second display mode for displaying a relatively large simulated image with a smaller number of frames. In the display mode, when the second display mode is configured to be capable of inputting an image correction instruction in more detail, the second display mode, which is commonly used as a standard display mode and is frequently used, is used. In the 1-display mode, by displaying a correction instruction presence display that can identify that the image correction instruction information used for past print production exists, the image correction instruction input by the operator at the time of previous print production is displayed. Since it is possible to immediately discriminate whether or not the image correction has been executed by the information, it is extremely easy to confirm the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information inputted in the past. To become.

By the way, when the image correction instruction information is input by the operator, the simulated images displayed in the first display mode and the second display mode are the simulated image according to the input image correction instruction information. Is preferably recalculated and redisplayed by the simulation calculator. In such a configuration, the simulated image displayed in the first display mode reflects the instruction content of the image correction instruction information input at the time of previous print production, and is input only in the second display mode. Even for possible correction items, the correction can be confirmed in the simulated image in the first display mode. However, as described above, the simulated image in the first display mode has a small image size in relation to the number of display frames,
For example, regarding special effects such as so-called cross filters that scatter bright spots in a cross shape, and special effects such as so-called scratch erasing that make scratches on photographic film inconspicuous,
It is not easy to identify whether or not such a correction has been performed. Further, even if it is possible to identify from the simulated image of the first display mode that some special effect is applied, is it a special effect added by the camera at the time of shooting, or the image correction instruction information? In some cases, it cannot be distinguished whether it is a special effect added by. Therefore, even when the simulated image is displayed again by reflecting the input image correction instruction information,
By the correction instruction presence display in the first display mode,
It is extremely effective to be able to identify the existence of the image correction instruction information used for print production. Therefore, when a print is made once and then a reprint is made, the work load on the operator can be reduced as much as possible.

Further, by providing the configuration according to claim 2, the image correction management section is configured to display the correction instruction presence display in the display frame of the simulated image on the monitor. There is. That is, in the first display mode, since a relatively large number of simulated images are displayed as described above, the display area on the monitor screen is limited. Therefore, the correction instruction presence display should be displayed on the simulated image. Thus, it is possible to avoid that the correction instruction presence display occupies a part of the display area, effectively use the display area on the monitor screen, and display it on the simulated image to improve the visibility for the operator. Can be higher.

Further, by providing the configuration according to claim 3, the image correction management section displays the correction instruction presence display in the print frame for indicating the print production range of the display frame of the simulated image. And the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information is displayed by changing the display mode of the print frame. That is, when the correction instruction presence display is displayed on the simulated image on the monitor screen, the simulated image is blocked for the display. Therefore, by displaying the correction instruction presence display as the print frame and changing the display mode to express the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information, the correction instruction presence display blocks a part of the simulated image. Inconvenience can be eliminated.

Further, by providing the configuration according to claim 4, the image correction management unit does not apply the correction due to a change in the print production condition among the correction items included in the image correction instruction information. While the correction item is specified based on the setting condition, the image correction management unit changes the display mode of the correction instruction existence display depending on the existence of the correction item to which the correction is not applied when displaying the correction instruction existence display. Is configured to let. That is, when a print is made once and then reprinted with common image data, the original image data is common, and therefore the image correction instruction previously input is normally used even at the time of reprinting. Information is applicable.
However, when the print production conditions such as the print size are changed, it may not be appropriate to directly apply the image correction instruction information depending on the correction item of the image correction instruction information.

For example, when the image correction instruction information includes the position setting of the print frame for indicating the print production range, when the print frame is designated in pixel units, the print size is set to the previous print production. If the print frame is set larger than the time, if the print frame is set as it is, the print range deviates from the desired print range. or,
When the image correction instruction information includes the image sharpness effect, if the print size is made smaller than that in the previous print production, the sharpness effect hardly appears visually. In such a case, the process is rationalized by not applying the corresponding correction item, and the operator is notified by changing the display mode of the correction instruction presence display, so that the accurate image correction instruction is displayed. You can prompt for information.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments in which the image printing apparatus of the present invention is configured as a photographic printing system will be described below with reference to the drawings. The photographic print system DP illustrated in the present embodiment is known as a so-called digital minilab machine, and as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, a developed photographic film, memory card, MO or CD- A print data input management device DI that captures image data for producing a photographic print from R or the like and generates image data for exposure, and a printing paper 1 for the image data for exposure generated by the print data input management device DI. And an exposure / development device EP that performs exposure processing.

[Schematic Configuration of Print Data Input Management Device DI] As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the print data input management device DI outputs a film scanner 2 for reading frame images of photographic film, and a film scanner 2 for output. An image data storage device 3 for storing image data of a photographic film, an external input / output device 4 including a memory reader, an MO drive, a CD-R drive, etc., a control of the film scanner 2, the image data storage device 3, etc. In addition, a main control device 6 for managing the entire photo print system DP is provided, and the main control device 6 further includes a monitor 6a for displaying and outputting a simulated image simulating a finished print image and various information. , A console 6b and a mouse 6 for manually setting exposure conditions and inputting control information
and c are connected. The film scanner 2 and the external input / output device 4 function as an image input device IR for inputting image data of an image for producing a print, but an image data storage device for storing the image data read by the film scanner 2 3 also, since image data to be reprinted is read out from the image data storage device 3 and printed when reprinting is made by a request such as extra printing after print making, the image input device I
Functions as R.

[Structure of Main Controller 6] As shown in FIG. 1, the main controller 6 is constructed based on image data input from the film scanner 2 and the image data storage device 3. Based on the image data input from the film scanner 2 and the image data storage device 3, the simulation calculation unit 10 that executes a calculation process that predicts a print image, that is, the exposure-use image data A print data calculation unit 11 for generating and a controller 12 for managing these operations are provided.

One of the main functions of the main control device 6 is a function of displaying a simulated image obtained by predicting a completed print image on the monitor 6a and accepting various image corrections from the operator. As a display mode of the simulated image on the monitor 6a, a first display mode in which a plurality of frames (specifically, 6 frames) of the simulated image are displayed on the monitor 6a, and a smaller number of frames than the first display mode ( (Specifically, one piece)
The second display mode in which the simulated image is displayed in a display size larger than the display size in the first display mode is set, and the two can be switched at any time.
In the first display mode, only color correction is possible as a correction item for image correction, and in the second display mode, there are more image correction items than in the first display mode. It is possible to input various correction items such as trimming, image rotation, special effects such as cross filter and image inversion, and more detailed correction can be performed. However, in most cases, prints are produced without the need for such detailed correction and color correction is therefore performed, so the first display mode is the standard display mode.

This function will be described below with reference to the screen display examples of FIGS. 2 to 4 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 executed by the controller 12. The processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is started when image data is input from either the film scanner 2 or the image data storage device 3. When the process of FIG. 5 is started, the controller 12 receives an instruction input of reprinting of image data for which a print has already been made and an instruction input of identification information for specifying the image data. If so, the controller 12 determines whether or not the correction history exists for the images of the six frames read based on the identification information.
The stored data in a storage medium such as a hard disk device connected to the server is searched. This correction history means that prints were made in the past by this photographic print system DP, and at the time of making the prints, an operator manually inputs image correction instruction information to perform image corrections such as trimming and color correction. At that time, the correction content is recorded in association with the identification information for identifying the image data that is the correction target. Therefore, when the image of the photographic film is read by the scanner for the first time to make a print, this correction history does not exist, and therefore, when there is no input of the reprint instruction, it is immediately determined that there is no correction history. As a general rule, the correction history is searched because the image data of the photographic film read by the film scanner 2 during the previous print production is stored in the image data storage device 3, and the image data is stored in the image data storage device. This is a case of reading out from the device 3 and producing a reprint. However, even when the image data is not stored in the image data storage device 3,
If the correction history remains in the controller 12, the correction history is searched and the image correction instruction information is used even when the film scanner 2 is made to read the photographic film for which the print was previously made and the reprint is made. it can. As the identification information, for example, an order number given each time a request for print production is received and a serial number given to each frame image in the image data group specified by the order number can be used.

In the present embodiment, the display color of the print frame to be superimposed and displayed on the simulated image is changed for each frame image depending on the presence or absence of the correction history, and for the frame image without the correction history, the print frame is changed. Is set to a standard color (for example, yellow) (steps # 1 and # 2). Here, the print frame is for indicating the print production range of the display frame of the simulated image, and the image within the range surrounded by the print frame is the actual print image. On the other hand, if the correction history exists, it is determined whether or not the image correction instruction information of the correction history can be applied to this print production (step # 3). Since the correction history is the image correction instruction information actually applied at the time of previous print production, basically, the same image correction instruction information should be applicable to the reprint. However, for example, when the print manufacturing conditions are changed, such as when the print size is changed and the paper width of the photographic printing paper 1 is changed, the trimming position data included in the image correction information of the correction history may not be applied as it is. , A range different from the print range at the time of previous print production is specified as the print range, and when the print size becomes smaller than the previous print size, image correction such as sharpness is applied. But it doesn't make much sense. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as the setting condition for specifying the correction item of the image correction included in the image correction instruction information of the correction history, which corresponds to the item to which the correction is not applied due to the conversion of the print manufacturing condition. Set conditions for whether the trimming image correction is included when the print size is changed and whether the sharpness image correction is included when the print size is reduced, and step # Perform the judgment in 3.

As described above, the display color of the print frame is made different between when there is a correction item to which the correction is not applied and when all the correction items of the image correction instruction information of the correction history are applied. , When applying all correction items, the color set as the correction applied color (for example, red)
If there is a correction item that is not applied, the color (for example, magenta) set as the non-correction applied color is set (steps # 4, # 6). When all correction items are applied, the size of the print frame is also calculated (step # 5). After setting the color of the print frame in this way, for the frame image for which the correction history exists, the simulation image is applied by applying the correction items that affect the simulated image in the image correction instruction information of the correction history. The desired arithmetic processing is started (step # 7). As a result, the simulation calculation unit 10 starts the calculation process for obtaining the simulated image, and when the calculation process is completed for the number of frames (six frames in this embodiment) that can be simultaneously displayed on the monitor screen, the controller indicates that. Send to 12.

Upon receiving the signal (step # 8), the controller 12 displays the simulated image in the first display mode illustrated in FIG. 2 (step # 9). From the first display mode, as described above, the color correction instruction can be input as one of the image correction instruction information. In the display example of FIG. 2, the simulated images S1 to S are vertically arranged in two stages.
6 is displayed, and only the upper right simulated image S3 has the correction history. The print frame 30 of the simulated image S3 includes the other simulated images S1, S2, S.
The print frame 31 of 4, S5 and S6 is the standard color (represented by a solid line in the figure), whereas it is the correction applicable color (represented by a wide dashed line in the figure). The print frame 30 of the simulated image S3 is different in position and size from the print frames 31 of the other simulated images S1, S2, S4, S5, and S6, and the image correction instruction information includes image trimming. It is illustrated.

Incidentally, when the print size is changed with the same image data as in the display example of FIG. 2, the trimming correction item is not applied as described above, so that the size of the print frame 34 is changed as shown in FIG. Becomes a standard size without trimming, and the display color of the print frame 34 becomes the non-correction applicable color (represented by broken lines having narrow intervals in the drawing). In the first display mode, in addition to the simulated image of 6 frames, a color correction button display 32 for instructing and inputting color correction for each frame is displayed, and a start button for instructing the start of printing. The display 33 is displayed. The color correction button display 32 is configured to display the setting state of color correction in text, and when the correction history includes a correction item for color correction, the correction content is initially displayed. When the operator inputs an instruction for color correction as image correction, it is performed by operating the color correction button display 32 with the mouse 6c.

As described above, when it is determined that the image instruction information corresponding to the image data that has generated each simulated image is stored, it is associated with each simulated image and previously printed. Correction instruction presence display CM capable of identifying the existence of used image correction instruction information
Is displayed as the print frames 30 and 31, and the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information is displayed by changing the display mode (display color) of the print frames 30 and 31. With such a display form, the correction instruction presence display CM is displayed in the display frame of the simulated image on the monitor 6a. Further, even when some of the correction items included in the image correction instruction information do not apply the correction due to a change in the print manufacturing conditions, the display colors of the print frames 30 and 34 are made different from each other. The display mode of the correction instruction presence display CM is changed.

When the operator inputs an instruction for color correction (step # 12), the simulated image is recalculated for that frame (step # 13) and displayed, and the instruction input for color correction is reflected. In addition, in the first display mode, the color of the print frame set as described above can be changed. That is, because the print frame is displayed over the simulated image, the color of the print frame may be impressed on the eyes of the operator who observes the simulated image depending on the color state of the simulated image, and the accurate color may be displayed. This is because the correction may be difficult. When the operator gives an instruction to change the color of the print frame from an instruction button or the like (not shown) (step # 10), a window for color selection is displayed on the monitor screen, and the operator is not shown. An operation for designating an appropriate color is accepted (step # 11).

Further, when the operator specifies any one of the six simulated images and instructs the shift to the second display mode by a button or the like (step # 14), An image is displayed in the second display mode illustrated in FIG. 4 (step # 18 in FIG. 6). In the second display mode, as shown in FIG. 4, a simulated image of one frame is enlarged and displayed, and an input item of the color correction instruction in the first display mode is used as an input item of the image correction instruction information. In addition, an instruction input for image special effect processing, an instruction input for image rotation, and an instruction input for image trimming can be performed. As the image special effect process, specifically, a left-right inversion process of horizontally reversing the image, a vertical inversion process of vertically reversing the image, and a red-eye phenomenon in which a subject person's eyes are reddish due to flash photography are corrected. There are red-eye correction processing, sharpness processing that adjusts the sharpness of the image, cross filter processing that scatters bright points in the subject in a cross shape, and color conversion processing that converts the original color image into a monochrome tone or sepia tone image. .

In order to accept the input of these image correction instruction information, as shown in FIG. 4, in the second display mode,
A color correction button display 40 for performing color correction of an image, and a special effect button display 41 for instructing each special effect processing such as left-right inversion processing, up-down inversion processing, red-eye correction processing, sharpness processing, and cross filter processing, A color conversion processing radio button display 42 for designating one of the color conversion processing and a rotation angle designation button display 43 for designating the rotation angle of the image are displayed.
By operating with c, the correction by the corresponding correction item can be instructed. Further, in order to specify the image trimming as one of the image correction instruction information, in the second display mode, the print frame 44 can change the position of each side by the drag operation of the mouse 6c. Also in this second display mode, when the image correction instruction information of the correction history exists in color correction or the like, an initial display indicating that the correction item is applied is made.

When the operator inputs a color correction instruction, a special effect processing instruction, or an image rotation instruction with the mouse 6c while the monitor display shown in FIG. 4 is being displayed (steps # 19, # 20). , # 21), the simulated image is recalculated for the enlarged image (step # 22), and is redisplayed on the monitor screen (step # 1).
8). On the other hand, when the operator deforms the print frame 44 by operating the mouse 6c (step # 23), the print frame 44 is redrawn so as to follow the operation (step # 24). If the operator performs the above-mentioned operation and determines that the desired image is obtained, “OK” shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.
By operating the button display 45 (step # 25),
Returning to step # 9 in FIG. 5, the first display mode is restored. At this time, the "Cancel" button display 4 shown in FIG.
When 6 is operated (step # 25), all the instructions input by the operator in the second display mode are ignored.

As described above, in the first display mode and the second display mode, the operator completes the input operation of the appropriate image correction instruction information for all six frames,
When the start button display 33 in the monitor screen display of FIG. 2 or 3 is operated (step # 15), the correction history is made in a state where the image correction instruction information input by the operator for each frame image is associated with the identification information. (Step # 16), the print start command is transmitted to the print data calculation unit 11 together with the image correction instruction information (step # 17), and the process proceeds to the next 6 frames. The print data calculation unit 11 that has received this print start command generates image data for print production, that is, exposure image data, based on preset calculation conditions and the image correction instruction information received from the controller 12. ,exposure·
It transmits to the developing device EP. As described above, the controller 12 that manages the display of the simulated image and the input of the correction instruction causes the monitor 6a to display the simulated image and sends the image correction instruction information to the simulated image displayed on the monitor 6a. Image correction management unit I that accepts manual input
Functions as C.

[Schematic Configuration of Exposure / Development Device EP]
The developing device EP includes an exposure unit 20 for exposing and forming an image of the image data for exposure received from the print data input management device DI on the photographic paper 1 inside the housing, and an exposure control device 21 for controlling the exposure unit 20. A development processing device 22 for developing the photographic printing paper 1 exposed by the exposure unit 20; and a photographic printing paper 1 pulled out from the photographic printing paper magazine 8 arranged on the upper surface of the housing by a number of conveying rollers 25 and the like. A printing paper transport system PT for transporting to the development processing device 22 is provided. The exposure unit 20 is provided with an exposure head 20a in which PLZT minute optical shutters are arranged in a line, and employs the PLZT optical shutter system. Outside the housing of the exposure / development apparatus EP, a sorter for sorting the photographic printing paper 1 that has been subjected to development processing and drying processing by the development processing apparatus 22 for each order, and was discharged from the discharge port of the development processing apparatus 22. A conveyor 27 that conveys the printing paper 1 to a sorter (not shown) is provided. Further, a cutter 28 for cutting the long photographic paper 1 pulled out from the photographic paper magazine 8 into a set print size is provided in the middle of the transportation path of the photographic paper transportation system PT.

[Manufacturing Operation of Photographic Print] Next, the manufacturing operation of the photographic print by the photographic print system DP having the above-described configuration will be schematically described. When the operator inputs an instruction to make a photographic print for the frame image of the photographic film, the main control device 6 commands the film scanner 2 to read the photographic film, and the film scanner 2 outputs the image data of the photographic film. Are sequentially received and recorded in the built-in memory. On the other hand, when the operator inputs an instruction to make a photographic print for image data recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, MO or CD-R, the main controller 6 causes the external input / output device 4 to drive the corresponding drive. To read the image data, sequentially receive the image data from the drive, and record it in the memory.
Further, when receiving a request for reprint production from a customer who previously produced a print, the operator sequentially reads the corresponding image data from the image data storage device 3 based on the identification information, and the image data is stored in the image data storage device 3. Store in memory.

The main controller 6 obtains the simulated image as described above based on the input image data,
It is displayed on the monitor 6a. The operator uses this monitor 6
While observing the simulated image on a and appropriately switching to the second display mode, an input operation of the image correction instruction information is performed from the console 6b. The main controller 6 reflects the input image correction instruction information to generate image data for exposure, and sends it to the exposure controller 21. Exposure control device 21
Detects that the front end of the printing paper 1 has been transported to a predetermined exposure start position based on the transport information of the printing paper 1 obtained from the printing paper transport system PT, the exposure processing speed of the exposure unit 20 is determined. The image data for exposure is sequentially transmitted to the exposure unit 20 at a corresponding speed. Exposure unit 20
Operates each optical shutter of the exposure head 20a based on the received exposure image data to form a latent image of a print image on the photographic printing paper 1. The photographic printing paper 1 that has been subjected to the exposure processing by the exposure unit 20 is conveyed to the development processing device 22 by the photographic paper conveyance system PT, and is developed by sequentially passing through each development processing tank, and the photographic printing paper 1 that has been subjected to the development processing. Are further dried and then discharged from the discharge port onto the conveyor 27, and sorted by a sorter for each order.

[Other Embodiments] Other embodiments of the present invention will be listed below. (1) In the above embodiment, the case where the print frames 30, 31, and 34 are used as the correction instruction presence display CM is illustrated, but a mark of an arbitrary shape is displayed in a blinking manner in correspondence with each simulated image. The display form of the correction instruction presence display CM can be variously changed, for example, by directly displaying the correction content in characters. (2) In the above embodiment, the display mode of the print frames 30 and 31 is changed if the correction history exists, but when the correction history exists, the image correction instruction information includes the first The display mode of the print frames 30 and 31 is changed only when a correction item that can be input only in the second display mode is included.
When only the correction item (color correction) that can be input in the display mode is included in the image correction instruction information, the display mode of the print frames 30 and 31 may not be changed.

(3) In the above embodiment, the print frame 3
Although the operator can arbitrarily change the display colors of 0, 31, and 34, in the first display mode,
When the simulated image is configured to be surrounded by a frame in order to clearly indicate the frame for which the image correction instruction information is input, the operator can arbitrarily change the color of the frame. It may be configured to. (4) In the above embodiment, the case where the PLZT optical shutter type exposure unit 20 is provided to form an image on the photographic printing paper 1 by exposure to form a print, but a so-called laser exposure type image exposure is used. The apparatus may be configured to produce a print, or the inkjet printing means may be used to form an image on various recording papers, and the specific means for producing the print can be variously changed. Is.

[0031]

According to the structure of the first aspect, the first display mode for displaying a relatively small number of simulated images and the second display mode for displaying a relatively large simulated image with a smaller number of frames. A display mode, the first
In the display mode, when the second display mode is configured to be capable of inputting an image correction instruction in more detail, the second display mode, which is commonly used as a standard display mode and is frequently used, is used. In the 1-display mode, by displaying a correction instruction presence display that can identify that the image correction instruction information used for past print production exists, the image correction instruction input by the operator at the time of previous print production is displayed. Since it is possible to immediately discriminate whether or not the image correction is executed by the information, it becomes extremely easy to confirm the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information inputted in the past.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first display mode, since a relatively large number of simulated images are displayed as described above, the display area on the monitor screen is limited. By displaying the correction instruction presence display on the simulated image, it is possible to prevent the correction instruction presence display from occupying a part of the display area, effectively use the display area on the monitor screen, and simulate. The visibility on the operator image can be enhanced by displaying it on the image. Further, according to the configuration of claim 3, when the correction instruction presence display is displayed on the simulated image on the monitor screen, the simulation image is blocked for the display. By displaying the presence display as the print frame and changing the display mode to express the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the correction instruction presence display blocks a part of the simulated image. You can

Further, according to the configuration of the above-mentioned claim 4, when the print production conditions such as the print size are changed, the image correction instruction information is directly stored depending on the correction item of the image correction instruction information. It may not be appropriate to apply it, but in such a case, the process is rationalized by not applying the corresponding correction item, and the display mode of the correction instruction existence display is changed to the operator. By giving the notification, it is possible to prompt the user to input the correct image correction instruction information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a photographic print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a monitor screen display example in the first display mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a monitor screen display example in the first display mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a monitor screen display example in a second display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

6a monitor 10 Simulated operation unit 11 Print data calculation unit 30, 31, 34 print frame CM correction instruction presence display IC image correction management unit IR image input device

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C187 AD13 AE01 BF42 BG45 CC08                       CC11 CD12 CD18 CD20 CD22                 5C053 FA04 FA05 FA06 FA23 LA02                       LA03                 5C062 AB03 AB20 AB23 AB41 AB42                       AC05 AE03                 5C082 AA19 AA32 BA20 CB01 CB05                       MM09

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image input device for inputting image data of an image for producing a print, and an image of a simulated image for predicting a print image produced on the basis of image data input from the image input device. A simulation calculation unit that generates data, an image correction management unit that displays the simulated image on a monitor and that accepts manual input of image correction instruction information for the simulated image displayed on the monitor, and preset A print data calculation unit that generates image data for print production based on the calculated calculation conditions and the image correction instruction information is provided, and the image correction management unit displays a plurality of frames of the simulated image on a monitor. The first display mode and the image of a smaller number of frames than the first display mode are displayed in the first display mode. A correction item of the image correction instruction information that can be switched to a second display mode in which the simulated image is displayed with a larger display size and that can be input in the second display mode is instructed in the first display mode. An image printing apparatus that is set to have more than the correction items of the image correction instruction information that can be input, wherein the image correction management unit stores the image correction instruction information for the image data for which print production is confirmed. It is configured to store identification information for identifying the image data in association with each other, and in the first display mode, the plurality of simulated images based on the image data input from the image input device. Corresponding to the image data that generated the simulated image based on the identification information when displaying on the monitor. If it is determined that the image correction instruction information that is stored is stored, a correction instruction presence display that can identify the existence of the image correction instruction information used for print production is displayed in association with the simulated image. An image printing device configured to display on the monitor. 2. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction management unit is configured to display the correction instruction presence display in a display frame of the simulated image on the monitor. 3. The image correction management unit configures the correction instruction presence display with a print frame for indicating a print production range of a display frame of the simulated image, and a display mode of the print frame is set. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image printing apparatus is configured to display the presence or absence of the image correction instruction information by changing the information. 4. The image correction management unit specifies, out of the correction items included in the image correction instruction information, a correction item to which correction is not applied due to a change in print manufacturing conditions based on a setting condition, and 4. The image correction management unit is configured to change the display mode of the correction instruction presence display depending on the presence or absence of a correction item to which the correction is not applied when displaying the correction instruction presence display. The image printing apparatus according to any one of 1.